Florida State Seminoles vs. Oklahoma Sooners (-8.5), 9/11/10, 3:30pm EST, ABC (ESPN3)

[MassNole]

In a rematch of the 2001 Orange Bowl the Florida State Seminoles lead by first year coach Jimbo Fisher and Heisman hopeful QB Christian Ponder head into Norman to face Bob Stoops and the Oklahoma Sooners.

Florida State Offense vs. Oklahoma Defense

In 2001 the Seminoles had a high powered attack lead by Heisman trophy winner Chris Weinke and Bob Stoops devised a plan that completely shut them down. Florida State again has a high powered offense and I don't think they should expect to hold the Noles to 2 points again. The balance of the FSU offense is its biggest asset with what Fisher calls 3 starting RBs and a bunch skilled WRs. I don't expect Christian Ponder to be as flawless as he was against Samford, but I expect a good game that should jump start his Heisman campaign. One big advantage FSU will have in scheming for OU is having Mark Stoops as their DC.

On a side note, I wish we could have seen Rodney Hudson take on Gerald McCoy, that would have been a classic matchup.

Oklahoma Offense vs. Florida State Defense

We all know Samford was not test for FSU, but we can look at the little things that were different from 2009. The tackling was by and large a lot better than it was in 2009 as there were far less missed tackles (though Greg Reid a big one). The LBs were making plays and the DL controlled the LOS against Samford but will they be able to do it against OU. The OU OL should be able to control the game against a very young DL and open holes. If the defense can be competent and not allow big plays then they should be able to slow down OU's offense.

Florida State Special Teams vs. Oklahoma Special Teams

Will OU kick the ball to Greg Reid? Samford did once and it went back for a 74 yard TD. Obviously OU is better on special teams but Greg Reid is a playmaker who can burn anybody If they kick out of bounds it will play in FSU's favor to shorten the field for the offense.

For FSU Dustin Hopkins often has touch backs on kickoffs to help lengthen the field for the defense. As for the punting game, Shawn Powell is solid at best. Last week we didn't see the punt unit so there is no way to gauge if Eddie Gran is having an impact on what was generally poor coverage in 2009.

I think this game will be a shootout who will come down to who has the ball last.

Prediction
If Ponder has the ball last:
Florida State 38
Oklahoma 35

If Oklahoma gets the ball back with time to score:
Oklahoma 42
Florida State 38

[Marino]

Let's go OU, I hope they destroy FSU.

[Iceman5315]

FSU in a close one. OU's defense is just not good as it usually is. Utah St. tore them up.

[ZB9]

props to both teams for scheduling this game

I think FSU matches up well with 0U. Ponder >> Landry Jones, and 0U's secondary has questions. The game will be tough for FSU because it's in Norman, but my crystal ball says the Noles will still win imo

[fpac]

Quote: Originally Posted by MassNole

One big advantage FSU will have in scheming for OU is having Mark Stoops as their DC.

Couldn't an OU fan say the exact opposite of this? I'm not sure it's such a huge advantage since it could work both ways...

[J-Unit40]

I have a feeling FSU is going to win this one. Ponder will outplay Porn Stache and win in a shootout.

This weekend of college football is going to be excellent.

[Buckeyes_Doc]

I'm predicting Ponder and the FSU offense have a great game against OU who didn't look good against Utah St.

I'm picking FSU.

[Noles4ever]

My heart says the Noles win a 31-17 game
My gut say the Sooners win a 38-21 game.

I could see the Noles getting behind at half time like 24-10 type score and coming back. The D with all the changes will be the key, will all the young players..